Christmas is just around the corner and that means all kinds of ways to burden ourselves unnecessarily and chronic pain can make a Scrooge out of many of us even without all the holiday crazy. While this article probably should have been posted in October, here’s hoping you can glean some wisdom and encouragement from the following tips – to guide (and survive) you through the rest of this season as well as those to come.
- Get a Head Start – By starting earlier to plan for the holidays we will be less disappointed in all the things we might not have been able to enjoy because of chronic pain. Many things can be jump started early such as shopping for gifts, planning meals and holiday activities, addressing Christmas cards and even doing a little decorating.
- Lower Your Standards – It’s easy to go a little overboard with Christmas decorations, cooking and gifting. Try downsizing the decorations a little by implementing simpler touches that still add to the festiveness of the occasion. Some ideas might include placing poinsettias on the hearth or table centerpiece, limiting the outdoor decor, or just placing battery-operated candles in the windows. For meals, why not delegate and provide a potluck environment where everyone contributes? Hosting can be enjoyable but also overwhelming when dealing with chronic pain. It’s ok to ask others to chip in with a meal or even cut a few corners by picking up some pre-made food items to ease the load. In fact, many grocery stores now offer complete meals for many holidays. Simplify the gifting process by ordering items online and having them pre-wrapped if possible. Or use gift bags to keep things simple. Gift cards are another simple solution to gifting.
- Be Realistic – It’s a good idea to acknowledge our limitations and make plans accordingly. It is still possible to have a life if we recognize and diligently plan out each day and activity, being careful to avoid over-scheduling and overcommitting ourselves. It’s also okay to say “no” when the demands of family and friends overwhelm.
- Be Kind to Yourself – Listen to your body and mind to know when is enough. Enjoy the fresh air or take a walk to get away and mentally regroup. Get plenty of rest, keep an eye on your diet and practice self-compassion – especially in those moments when you are tempted to feel guilty for not attending an event, socializing longer, fixing your usual holiday spread, etc. Practice breathing exercises and mindfulness techniques.
- Find JOY – Celebrate the joy in the holiday whether it’s a peaceful evening, a snow-covered yard, the morning cup of coffee, or just the memories of family and friends from holidays past. We may not be able to replicate the nostalgic times we remember, but as we make new traditions take the time to find joy in the moment.
Author Info